Staff Reports
In a win for former President Donald Trump, a judge in Michigan has ruled that Trump can remain on the state primary ballot for the 2024 election. The ruling came in response to lawsuits that sought to bar Trump from the ballot due to his alleged role in the January 6th riot. The lawsuits claimed that Trump had “engaged in insurrection.”
Michigan judge rules that Trump can remain on primary ballothttps://t.co/irIA6Gjjbf
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 15, 2023
Michigan Court of Claims Judge James Robert Redford rejected the arguments made in the lawsuits, stating that they had the potential to embroil judges in highly partisan disputes. Redford argued that determining whether there was a rebellion or insurrection and whether someone participated in it should be left to the Congress, which is made up of elected representatives.
The Trump campaign applauded the decision and expressed that they expected it to set a positive precedent for similar cases. They emphasized their focus on winning the state of Michigan once again and securing Trump’s reelection in the coming year.
While the plaintiffs in the lawsuits expressed disappointment with the decision, they vowed to appeal it swiftly. They argued that the trial court’s decision was poorly reasoned and expressed hope that the Michigan Supreme Court would reverse it.
This ruling reaffirms that Donald Trump remains a formidable force within the Republican Party. It is a victory for his supporters who believe in his ability to lead and want to see him continue to play a role in shaping the party’s future. The decision also highlights the importance of the Constitution’s separation of powers, as Judge Redford rightly recognized that determining matters of rebellion and insurrection should be left to the elected representatives in Congress. This ruling should send a message to those who seek to silence Trump and his supporters: their voices will not be easily silenced.
